'buprestid' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'buprestis,' where 'bous' meant 'ox' and 'prethein' meant 'to swell.'

'buprestis' transformed into the Latin word 'buprestis,' and eventually became the modern English word 'buprestid.'

Initially, it referred to a beetle that was believed to cause cattle to swell, but now it refers to a family of beetles known for their metallic colors.